SAINT PETERSBURG PHOTO LAUREATE 2023

 On May 12, 2023, SPMOP announced its first Photo Laureate: Thomas Sayers Ellis.

From over 35 artists in the greater Tampa Bay area, the SPMOP panel chose five nominees whose work has since been exhibited at the Morean Arts Center from May 1 to June 30, 2023.  

The SPMOP panel was impressed with Thomas´ poignant photos that immediately grabbed the viewer's attention. Every photo was telling a unique story, inviting dialogue, and the panel was convinced he would give a stage to the many stories Saint Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Area holds in new and exciting ways.

Since he started on his Photo Laureate journey, he has sent us bi-weekly photographic updates with an accompanying poetic text. See below, or sign up for our newsletter and check out our social media.

Next Month of Photography, during May 2024, SPMOP will organize a Photo Laureate solo exhibition in which everyone can enjoy Saint Petersburg through the lens of Thomas Sayers Ellis.

The five final nominees were: 

Jaime Aelavanthara

Tristan Wheelock

Selina Román

Emily Will

Thomas Sayers Ellis

Be sure to check out all of these talented photographic artists!